Overview
- Lood de Jager’s four-match suspension stands after his appeal was dismissed, while Franco Mostert’s permanent red was overturned by an independent panel.
- Speaking on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch, Nigel Owens said De Jager’s hit was “always illegal,” making mitigation irrelevant and warranting a permanent red.
- Owens judged Mostert’s tackle technically faulty for a lack of clear wrap but closer to chest contact, arguing it merited a bunker review rather than an immediate permanent red.
- Owens clarified that the bunker cannot upgrade to a permanent red and can only return a 20‑minute red outcome once an incident is referred.
- Rassie Erasmus detailed the team’s “level change and wrap” focus, defended their overall tackle record, and noted concerns over depleted lock options.